Rockin' Devlin On A Roll

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday September 25, 2007

By PAUL McINERNEY

OLD rockers never die - they just get better.

Just ask rock 'n' roll legend Johnny Devlin, who at the tender age of 69 has just been announced as the inaugural member of the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.

But the news just got better for the long-time Wollongong resident this week, when he learned he would also be the inaugural recipient of the Legacy Award - establish this year to recognise the achievements of New Zealand's most successful and most influential artists.

He will be presented with the award and be inducted at the New Zealand Music Awards to be held in Auckland on October 18.

Despite thousands of stage shows and many hit records behind him, Devlin said he was very surprised at his selection.

"I just couldn't believe it, but I am very, very honoured they thought of me," he said.

At an age when most people seek the comfort of retirement, Devlin continues to be busy writing and recording songs as well as performing on stage.

His popularity, particularly in New Zealand, received a new boost after teaming up with the Wollongong-based Tornadoes.

In 2006, Devlin and the Tornadoes enjoyed an 11-city sell-out program as part of the Best of the Best tour.

But it all began in 1958, when Lawdy Miss Clawdy was released as a single that went on to become New Zealand's first gold record, many times over. He was suddenly the Kiwis' answer to Elvis Presley.

One of the first rockers to leave his home country, Johnny made his home in Australia after touring the country as part of Lee Gordon's Big Show in 1959. Within weeks, he was a regular on the television shows Bandstand and Six O'Clock Rock, with Johnny O'Keefe, and over the next five years had 15 chart busters.

He was also in demand with overseas artists who came to Australia and he supported acts like Ricky Nelson, Johnny Ray, Crash Craddock, Chuck Berry and The Beatles.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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